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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 AUGUST 2022 11 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 829. Black Kite ALTHOUGH we're still high summer, autumn migration is already under way as many millions of European birds begin streaming south to spend winter in balmier Africa. Some stop along the Medi- terranean coast of the continent, others strike across the formidable Sahara and winter in equatorial forest and savannah. Among the most eye-catching winged travellers we get are birds of prey, one of which is the elegant black kite (M. astun iswed). Although seen every year, black kites are far less common than, say, honey-buzzards or marsh harriers, thousands of which sail over our heads in autumn. So it's always with extra satisfaction that we spot the tell-tale fork in the tail that characterises this species. Flower of the month This August, we will give special attention to the Aleppo Pine (MT: Siġra taż-Żnuber) - Pinus halepensis. The Aleppo Pine can grow up to 20m high and it does not flower but produces cones which are either male or female. Male cones form in clusters while female cones (on the same tree) take 3 years to mature. It is around this time of year, on very hot days, that one can sometimes hear the cones cracking open to release the winged seeds. Seeds can be kept in dry conditions and sown in Febru- ary to help grow some more drought-resistant trees for the future. Read more about this tree in our latest Flower of the Month article! Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 717: To stay up to date subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: foemalta.org/get-involved/newsletters-signup// Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Time, Space... and Palmyra 15 September - 1 October Place: Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle This joint exhibition by Henry Alamango and Galina Troizky is a fusion of two themes: the social implications resulting from the functional transformation of rural and urban space over time, and a 'crie de coeur' reflecting a deep concern for an environment and populated space in progressive decline. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member MCO Queen Tribute 16 September 2022 Place: Pjazza Teatru Rjal The Malta Concert Orchestra will give tribute to the British rock band Queen well known for its diverse rock style and contemporary rock. Under the direction of Mro Joe Brown together with local lead singers with smash hits such as One Vision, I Want to Break Free, Don't Stop Me Now, Radio GaGa, Barcelona and many more. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Britney Spears has released her first new music since being released from a conservatorship that controlled almost every aspect of her life. Hold Me Closer - a duet with Elton John - hit streaming sites on Friday, marking Spears' return to music after a six-year hiatus. A US church has apologised to Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda for an unauthorised, Bible-themed rewrite of the popular musical. The rendition from The Door church in McAllen, Texas changed Hamilton's lyrics to include references to Jesus and Christianity. Last November, Spears was freed from the controversial conservatorship that controlled almost every aspect of her life for 13 years. The changes were condemned by Miranda, who earlier this month vowed to take legal action.